BNCL Law Firm - Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy

Choosing the Right Law Firm When Your Civil Rights Have Been Violated

February 24, 2025

Introduction

When your civil rights have been violated, choosing the right law firm can make all the difference in your pursuit of justice. The legal team you select will determine not only the strength of your case but also the level of support, expertise, and advocacy you receive. With so many law firms out there, how do you ensure you are making the right choice?

At Burris, Nisenbaum, Curry & Lacy (BNCL), we understand that taking legal action against powerful institutions can be daunting. That’s why we are committed to guiding individuals through the complexities of civil rights litigation with expertise, dedication, and a track record of success. In this blog, we’ll discuss what you should look for in a civil rights law firm and why BNCL stands out as the best choice.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Civil Rights Law Firm

Not all law firms are created equal. When selecting legal representation for a civil rights case, keep the following key factors in mind:

1. Experience in Civil Rights Litigation

Civil rights cases require a deep understanding of constitutional law, federal statutes, and legal precedents. A general practice lawyer or a firm without a strong civil rights focus may not have the expertise needed to handle these complex cases.

Why BNCL? BNCL has been at the forefront of civil rights litigation for decades. Our attorneys have successfully represented individuals in cases involving police misconduct, employment discrimination, and mental health crises, among other civil rights violations. Our team, led by renowned civil rights attorney John Burris, has been instrumental in shaping legal precedents that hold institutions accountable.

2. A Proven Track Record of Success

A law firm’s history of verdicts and settlements is an important indicator of its ability to win cases. You want a firm that not only takes on tough cases but also achieves meaningful results.

Why BNCL? Our attorneys have secured multi-million-dollar settlements and landmark verdicts in high-profile civil rights cases. From Rodney King to Oscar Grant, we have successfully represented victims of injustice, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights are upheld.

3. Willingness to Go to Trial

Many law firms push clients toward settlements, even when going to trial might yield a better outcome. While settlements can be beneficial, a firm that shies away from litigation may not be the best choice for complex civil rights cases.

Why BNCL? At BNCL, we are not afraid to take cases to trial when necessary. Our team is known for its aggressive advocacy in court, ensuring that justice is served and that the responsible parties are held accountable.

4. Client-Centered Approach and Compassionate Representation

Legal battles, especially those involving civil rights violations, can be emotionally and mentally exhausting. You need a law firm that values you as a person, not just as a case number.

Why BNCL? We treat our clients with the respect, empathy, and dignity they deserve. At BNCL, we prioritize client communication, ensuring you are informed and empowered at every stage of the legal process. Our attorneys take the time to understand your unique situation and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome.

5. Resources and Legal Team Strength

Fighting against powerful institutions, such as government agencies or large corporations, requires significant resources, including expert witnesses, investigators, and legal research teams.

Why BNCL? With decades of experience and a dedicated team of legal professionals, BNCL has the resources needed to take on even the most challenging civil rights cases. We cover all litigation costs upfront, allowing clients to pursue justice without financial burden.

6. Commitment to Social Justice and Systemic Change

Civil rights cases are not just about individual justice—they can also create broader social change. A law firm with a commitment to social justice will go beyond winning cases; it will work to ensure systemic reforms and greater protections for marginalized communities.

Why BNCL? Beyond representing individuals, BNCL has been instrumental in changing police policies, employment discrimination laws, and other areas of civil rights law. Our attorneys actively engage in public advocacy and policy reform to help build a more just society.

Red Flags to Avoid When Choosing a Law Firm

While there are many great law firms out there, some may not have your best interests at heart. Here are a few red flags to watch out for:

  • Lack of civil rights experience: Avoid firms that do not specialize in civil rights litigation.
  • Poor communication: If a firm does not promptly respond to your inquiries or seems disorganized, it may not be the best choice.
  • Unrealistic promises: Be wary of any firm that guarantees a specific outcome—legal cases are unpredictable, and ethical attorneys will not make unfounded promises.
  • Hidden fees or unclear financial arrangements: Ensure you understand a firm’s fee structure. BNCL operates on a contingency basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Why BNCL Is the Right Choice for Your Civil Rights Case

When your rights have been violated, choosing the right law firm is crucial. At BNCL, we bring:

  • Decades of civil rights litigation experience
  • A strong track record of landmark victories
  • A fearless approach to trial litigation
  • A compassionate and client-focused legal team
  • The resources to fight against powerful institutions
  • A commitment to social justice and systemic change

If you or a loved one has experienced a civil rights violation, don’t settle for just any law firm—choose one with a proven commitment to justice. Contact BNCL today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights.

Case Results

Reginald Oliver v. City of Oakland

Oakland Police keep fabricating evidence and lying about minorities to arrest and prosecute them for supposed “gang” crimes, in violation of a settlement that prohibits …

Read More
Named plaintiff Reginald Oliver claims the Oakland PD continues violating the Constitution, in defiance of the settlement in Delphine Allen e al. v. City of Oakland, USDC No. C-00-4599 TEH, also known as "The Riders" litigation. Read Full Course
John Burris
Jane Smith v. City of Oakland

Racial profiling of Asian women by police officer resulting in a class action complaint for damages, declaratory and injunctive relief

Read More
Finding evidence about defendant's post-conviction parole violation unfairly prejudicial "since the jury could have construed that parole violation as character evidence in violation of Federal Rule of Evidence 404(b)" Read Full Course
Rodney King
Rodney King v. City of Los Angeles

Rodney King has filed a petition for a writ of mandamus seeking to have Judge John G. Davies disqualified from presiding at the trial of …

Read More
Rodney King waited too long to file a malpractice suit against the first of 27 lawyers who represented him in connection with the infamous beating he suffered from Los Angeles police in 1991, this district’s Court of Appeal ruled yesterday. The ruling by Div. Two affirmed Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Ann Kough’s grant of summary judgment to Steven Lerman. King earlier this year dismissed his appeal of Kough’s ruling in favor of two other lawyers sued in the case, Federico Sayre and John Burris. Read Full Course
FEATURED News & Updates

Civil rights lawyer John Burris confronts police narratives

Written by Janie Har, AP researcher Rhonda Shafner also contributed to this report. To read on AP News click here OAKLAND, Calif. (AP) — Before …

Watch our video
Share via
Copy link